Los Angeles in a day, let the countdown begin! If you have a business trip to L.A., a long layover at the airport, or a 24-hour stop in California’s biggest city and only limited time to explore, we’re here to show you what to do in Los Angeles in just one day. Don’t miss any of the attractions included in our strategic itinerary. We promise that with this tour of iconic spots, seeing Los Angeles in one day is absolutely possible. Are you up for the challenge?
What to see in Los Angeles in one day: explore the city in little time
Want to know what to see in Los Angeles in one day and how to organize your travel plan? We’ve put together a summary of the city’s top attractions and even planned the itinerary for you! Film studios, food feasts, luxury shopping, glamorous streets, tours of Hollywood mansions, iconic theaters, monumental architecture, historic landmarks, and so much more are waiting for you in this world-famous destination.
Discover the guide that will help you enjoy the best of L.A. in no time: from the famous Walk of Fame to the lively coastal scene at Santa Monica’s beaches, you won’t want to miss any of the spots we recommend in this 24-hour Los Angeles itinerary. So go ahead, find out what to do in Los Angeles in one day and get ready for an experience that will leave you wanting more!
Lake Hollywood Park
Start your morning with a visit to Lake Hollywood Park, a lush park nestled in the city’s hills that offers clear panoramic views of the famous Hollywood Sign. Here, you can not only admire the Hollywood Sign up close, but also enjoy a short 30-minute walk along the scenic trails surrounding the park, have an outdoor breakfast with a delicious morning picnic, or simply soak in the beauty and peaceful vibe of L.A.’s nature. A perfect way to kick off your one-day adventure in Los Angeles!
Addr5ess: 3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, U.S.
Walk of Fame
Made up of around 2 kilometers of paved sidewalks featuring more than 2,600 bronze stars, the Walk of Fame is the legendary tourist attraction that honors the most prestigious global celebrities in entertainment. In this part of the city, you can walk over the names of your idols, visit nearby museums like the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures or The Grammy Museum, browse through shops with unique souvenirs, and maybe even spot a celebrity. Make sure to visit the Walk of Fame during your one-day tour of Los Angeles and dive into the nostalgia of Hollywood’s past and the history of film, music, television, radio, and theater. Ready? Get set for the flash of the cameras!
Address: 6901 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States.
Original Farmers Market
Continuing with our travel plan on what to do in Los Angeles in one day, a stop at the Original Farmers Market is a must. This culinary and cultural treasure has over 80 years of history. The open-air market offers a wide variety of food stalls, with aisles filled with tempting aromas, authentic tacos, fresh seafood, homemade pastries, and more dishes loved by locals and visitors alike. Beyond the food, the market also features artisan shops, boutiques, and a lively atmosphere with live music from local artists. The Original Farmers Market is the perfect place to pick up unique gifts and dive into Los Angeles’ vibrant food culture!
Address: 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036, U.S.
Paramount Pictures Studios
During your short stay in Los Angeles, visiting Paramount Pictures Studios is an absolute must. This legendary production company will fully immerse you in the world of filmmaking and entertainment. Explore the famous backlots where countless movies and TV shows were filmed, step into the action as you walk through Hollywood’s most iconic sets and stages, and marvel at the cutting-edge technology throughout the studio. At Paramount Pictures Studios, you’re the star!
Address: 5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States.
Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hotel, Beverly Hills sign
Step into the glamorous charm of Beverly Hills, the most prestigious area of Los Angeles, and home to Rodeo Drive, a world-famous shopping street where luxury fashion brands mix with exclusive boutiques. Here, you can shop high-end collections, admire stunning window displays, and indulge in gourmet delights at upscale restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to visit the legendary Beverly Hotel, a true symbol of sophistication and charm. Relax in its luxurious setting, sip exquisite cocktails, and treat your senses to unforgettable fine dining experiences.
Address: 295 Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, United States.
Los Angeles, what to do in one day: stroll along the Santa Monica Pier
With more than a century of history, the Santa Monica Pier is a tourist hotspot that perfectly combines coastal fun with oceanfront beauty. Enjoy a wide range of activities, from riding the iconic Pacific Wheel to thrilling roller coasters, carnival games, and live performances right by the beach. You can also indulge in delicious seafood and local dishes at the many restaurants and food stands scattered along the pier. And don’t forget to browse the artisan shops and pick up some unique souvenirs to take home with you.
The Santa Monica Pier is about half an hour from L.A., so getting there and enjoying everything it has to offer won’t take more than 3 hours. Without a doubt, it’s a must-visit spot on our list of what to do in Los Angeles in one day!
On the other hand, if you want to visit more destinations near Los Angeles in a short amount of time, Venice is only 15 minutes away from Santa Monica. We also recommend heading there to see the famous Venice sign and take a stroll along its canals, where you can admire murals, charming houses, and picturesque bridges crossing the water.
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States.
Griffith Observatory
Any answer to what to do in Los Angeles in one day definitely has to include a visit to Griffith Observatory, an astronomical treasure that lets you experience Los Angeles from among the stars. Majestically perched in the Hollywood Hills, the observatory offers a unique view of both the city and the cosmos. Explore fascinating science exhibits, marvel at the famous Zeiss telescope, and catch exciting shows at the planetarium.
Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States.
Dolby Theater and Chinese Theater
The Dolby Theatre and the Chinese Theatre are two iconic landmarks that capture the glamour and magic of cinema. On one hand, the Dolby Theatre is famous for hosting the Academy Awards and for being the venue for dozens of events throughout the year, including concerts and special performances. On the other hand, the Chinese Theatre is legendary for being the site of many major movie premieres, including Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Titanic. Take a stroll around these two historic theaters and experience the excitement of the silver screen firsthand!
Address: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States.
Little Tokyo
To wrap up our one-day tour of Los Angeles, we can’t forget to mention this fascinating destination. Located in the historic heart of the city, Little Tokyo is a captivating neighborhood where East and West blend together in perfect harmony. Wander through streets that showcase a fusion of traditional Japanese culture and modern urban life, explore shops specializing in manga and anime, discover exquisite teas, savor authentic Japanese dishes at cozy restaurants, and relax in the serenity of beautiful zen gardens. It’s the perfect place to end your tour of the city, don’t you think? See it for yourself on your one-day adventure in Los Angeles!
Address: 319 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States.
Map of what to do in Los Angeles in one day
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do in Los Angeles on a budget?
The top things to do in Los Angeles on a budget include:
- Eating at affordable restaurants like True Food Kitchen and In-N-Out.
- Strolling through neighborhoods like Venice Beach, Echo Park, Silver Lake, or Downtown Los Angeles.
- Enjoying nature at Griffith Park, Elysian Park, Runyon Canyon Park, or the Japanese Garden.
- Visiting local markets and fairs to enjoy food and culture without spending much money.
- Visit Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, and Manhattan Beach.
How to get around to visit Los Angeles in one day?
Because of the city’s size and the delays often associated with public transportation, the best way to get around Los Angeles in one day is by renting a car. This will give you the freedom to drive at your own pace, choose your own route, and manage your time efficiently so you can visit all the places you plan to see in Los Angeles, California, in just one day.
What to do in Los Angeles in one day for free?
The best free activities to enjoy in Los Angeles in one day include:
- Visiting Muscle Beach.
- Exploring the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Touring the Getty Center.
- Strolling along the Santa Monica Pier.
- Visiting Griffith Park.
- Walking around downtown Los Angeles.
- Driving or walking around Sunset Boulevard, LA.
We appreciate your reading! Thank you for choosing us as your trusted source to find out what to do in Los Angeles in one day. Enjoy a full and enriching day by following our recommendations on which places to visit in such a big and diverse city within 24 hours. And don’t worry if you need help finding where to stay or how to get around, at Viajemos.com, we’re here to help you plan it all!
